The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a subpoena to a contributor involved in the election campaign of Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero during the recent elections.
According to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, the preliminary investigation into a complaint concerning the senator’s campaign donations is now underway.
Garcia clarified that the investigation is separate from the agency’s earlier motu proprio fact-finding inquiry.
He explained that a private individual has already filed a formal complaint, and new documents have been submitted that require a response from the accused party.
Garcia also emphasized that a possible violation of the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) or campaign finance rules does not automatically result in disqualification.
He said such a violation may instead be considered an election offense, depending on Comelec’s final assessment of the case.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Senate of the Philippines)
